I used the water trick myself.
First, I cut off the tubes with a hacksaw, then I soldered 1/2" copper fittings on them. Later, after I've bent 1/2" copper tubing to the desired shape, I'll solder them to the copper fittings.
BTW, if you still have that damaged core, and feel like donating it, I'll PayPal you the shipping. If I can fix it, I'll pass it on to someone who can use it.
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